25G June 2018 Newsletter

From the Desk of DG Lion Tom Polk

It is hard to believe that this will be my last article for the newsletter as district governor. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Lions of district 25G in this capacity. I look back over the year and I see all of things that I have done, the clubs I have visited and great Lions I have gotten to serve with during this year. I am reminded of the speech delivered in the movie “Hoosiers” by Gene Hackman as coach Norman Dale:

“If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be. I don’t care
what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we’re gonna be winners”

I look back and I see clubs that are still struggling but they have “moved the needle” a little bit. They may have added the first new member for a while. There are clubs that were just about gone but because of hard work they are back growing. Has this been an outstanding year? In my book, yes it has. Could there have been more things done or
better things done? Of course – there is always room for improvement.

What about the upcoming year? Are we ready to just give up on our clubs and our communities – or do we need to dedicate ourselves that we will put all of our effort and concentration into being the best we can be. We need to stop looking back as to what “used to be” but rather take a hard and clear look at where we are today and where we want to be in one year. Are we willing to make an effort, to commit to change, to be the best we can be? Are we willing to change, try something new, try something different to see if a new better level can be achieved? Or are we going to be satisfied with the “status quo” and speak eloquent about “I remember when…” instead of tackling the real issues of today.

As all of you have heard during my governor’s speech – you are the people that are making a difference in the lives in communities across northern Indiana. It is important that those communities be served by a Lions Club – let’s not give up on this – as Thomas Edison said “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time”

Lets continue to serve with a purpose!

DG Tom Polk